About Me

A couple of years ago, I realized I needed to lose a few pounds to regain my health and joined a gym. I worked out on a regular basis and lost a lot of weight at first. Then, I got bored and started slacking off, especially in the summer. I didn't want to be inside a gym when the weather was nice out! One day, a neighbor asked me to play a round of tennis with them outdoors at a local court, and I then realized how much fun exercise can be. I am now an avid player of multiple sports and in the best shape of my life. I want to inspire others out there to forget the gym and get outside for some sun, fresh air, and exercise by playing sports for health. I plan to post many sports-related tips on my blog, so come back again!

According to science, being around nature is good for your health, and one way you can spend a little quality time with the trees and animals is by camping. If you've never participated in this outdoor activity, however, it can be intimidating figuring out what you need and what to do. Here are two tips to help get you started.

Purchase the Essentials, Rent the Rest

It may be tempting to go to the nearest retailer that sells outdoor equipment and fill your cart with the entire camping aisle. While the store clerk and your credit card company will love you, this is probably the worst thing you can do. Remember, this is your first time camping, and you're not sure yet whether you'll like the experience or not. Therefore, it's best to rent as much as you can and only buy essentials you can use for other things.

All the items you purchase can be repurposed for other things if you find camping is not your cup of tea. You can find basic and comprehensive lists of items that are great to have for a camping trip at various websites online.

Go With a Friend or Group

The second thing you should do is camp with other people you know and trust, preferably people who have gone camping before. First, there's safety in numbers. You won't be the only one out in the woods, and you're less likely to run into trouble with other campers if you're in a group. Second, you'll have someone who can go get help if you are hurt and can't travel. Third, having an experienced camper will make the trip more enjoyable, because the person can show you the ins and outs of the experience.

If you're going to go by yourself, be sure to tell someone where you're going and look for a camping spot that's as close to the ranger station as you can get. This way, if you do run into trouble, you won't have to trek miles across the forest to get assistance.

For more camping tips or help selecting the right equipment for you, visit your local outdoor products retailer.